Capsicum annuum plant named ‘BOEKTASPEP2’

ABSTRACT

‘BOEKTASPEP2’ is a distinctive variety of  Capsicum annuum  which is characterized by the combination of seedless of near-seedless fruit, a high percentage of fruit possessing no seeds, a large fruit size, fruit with a sweet taste, fruit with a vivid orange color, a unique shape of the fruit, as well as the stability and uniformity of traits through successive cycles of asexual propagation.

Latin name of the genus and species: The Latin name of the genus andspecies of the novel variety disclosed herein is Capsicum annuum.

Variety denomination: The inventive variety of Capsicum annuum disclosedherein has been given the variety denomination ‘BOEKTASPEP2’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Capsicumannuum, commonly called bell pepper, which has been given the varietydenomination of ‘BOEKTASPEP2’. Its market class is PLT/258.

Parentage: The Capsicum annuum variety ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ originated as anaturally occurring, whole plant mutation of Capsicum annuum ‘Jaydee’(unpatented in the United States, NL Plant Breeder's Rights No. 34730,and QZ Plant Breeder's Rights No. 34162 which was subsequentlysurrendered), a variety developed and owned by the inventor.

The inventor of ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ is a commercial bell pepper producer in DeLier, The Netherlands and frequently observes whole plant mutations ofCapsicum annuum ‘Jaydee’ at his commercial greenhouse operation. Forsaid mutations which seem to exhibit commercial potential, cuttings aretaken to produce trial plants which are subsequently grown forevaluation. At the time of the initial selection, all relevantcharacteristics are observed and compared with both current commercialvarieties as well as with other selections. In October of each year, adetermination is made with respect to each candidate variety todetermine if there is enough commercial potential to continue withevaluations. Some candidates are discarded. For those candidatevarieties that are not discarded, additional cuttings are taken toproduce trial plants for a second year of evaluation for commercialpotential. After the second year, a final determination is made withrespect to each candidate variety.

The variety now called ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ was initially discovered in April2012. At that time, cuttings were taken and the resulting plants wereevaluated at the inventor's greenhouse until October of 2012. At thattime it was determined that said variety exhibited certaindistinguishing characteristics that would prove favorable for commercialproduction and marketability. Consequently, the candidate variety wasselected for a second year of evaluations, which proceeded from late in2013 until October of 2014, after which time a final determination wasmade as to the candidate variety's commercial potential. The candidatevariety was given the breeder denomination ‘BOEKTASPEP2’.

Asexual Reproduction: ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ was first asexually propagated bysoftwood stem cuttings in April of 2012 at a greenhouse in De Lier, TheNetherlands under the control of the inventor and has since beenvegetatively propagated through one additional generation. Thedistinctive characteristics of the inventive ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ variety arestable from generation to generation; clones of the variety produced byasexual reproduction maintain the distinguishing characteristics of theoriginal plant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following characteristics have been repeatedly observed andrepresent the distinguishing characteristics of the new Capsicumcultivar ‘BOEKTASPEP2’. These traits in combination distinguish‘BOEKTASPEP2’ as a new and distinct cultivar.

-   -   1. Capsicum ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ exhibits seedless or near-seedless        fruit.    -   2. Capsicum ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ exhibits a high percentage of seedless        fruit.    -   3. Capsicum ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ exhibits fruit with a notably long        shelf life.    -   4. Capsicum ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ exhibits fruit with a notably sweet        taste.    -   5. Capsicum ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ exhibits fruit with a vivid orange        color.    -   6. Capsicum ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ exhibits fruit with two locules and,        as a result, a latitudinal cross-section in the general shape of        the figure “eight”.    -   7. Capsicum ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ exhibits a large fruit size.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make thesame in color illustrations of this type, an exemplary specimens of thenew cultivar, ‘BOEKTASPEP2’. The plants shown are approximately 4 monthsold and were grown in a climate-controlled greenhouse in De Lier, TheNetherlands.

FIG. 2 shows, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make thesame in color illustrations of this type, the foliage of ‘BOEKTASPEP2’.

FIG. 3 shows, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make thesame in color illustrations of this type, the foliage of ‘BOEKTASPEP2’.

FIG. 4 shows, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make thesame in color illustrations of this type, the flower of ‘BOEKTASPEP2’.

FIG. 5 shows, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make thesame in color illustrations of this type, the fruit of ‘BOEKTASPEP2’.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following is a detailed botanical description of a new and distinctvariety of Capsicum annuum known as ‘BOEKTASPEP2’, based uponobservations of plants, approximately 4 months old from a rootedcutting, grown in a climate-controlled greenhouse in De Lier, TheNetherlands. Temperatures ranged from 28 degrees Celsius during the dayand 12 degrees Celsius at night. No artificial light, photoperiodictreatments or chemical treatments were given to the plants. Observationdata was recorded in November of 2014.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain characteristicswill vary with older or, conversely, with younger plants. ‘BOEKTASPEP2’has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. Wheredimensions, sizes, colors and other characteristics are given, it is tobe understood that such characteristics are approximations or averagesset forth as accurately as practicable. The phenotype of the variety maydiffer from the descriptions set forth herein with variations inenvironmental, climactic and cultural conditions. Color notations arebased on The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, The RoyalHorticultural Society, London, 2007 edition.

A botanical description of ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ and comparisons with othervarieties of Capsicum annuum are provided below.

Technical Description of the Variety

-   Plant description:    -   -   Growth rate.—Moderate; approximately 30 cm per month during            the growing season.        -   Growth habit.—Upright, trailing.        -   Height.—167.5 cm in height.        -   Width.—55.0 cm in width.        -   Cold hardiness.—Tolerates temperatures from approximately 2            degrees Celsius to, at least, 40 degrees Celsius.        -   Propagation.—Nodal cuttings and grafting.        -   Time to initiate roots.—Approximately 7 to 14 days to            initiate roots at 20° Centigrade.        -   Time to produce a rooted cutting.—Approximately 21 days to            produce a rooted cutting.        -   Disease and pest resistance.—Neither tolerance nor            resistance to normal diseases and pests of Capsicum annuum            have been observed.        -   Drought resistance.—Plants can survive for at least 2 weeks            without supplemental water without a change in foliage            color, or detrimental effects to the plant.-   Root system: Fibrous.-   Stem:    -   -   Number of leaves per stem.—Approximately 20.        -   Stem cross-section.—Slightly to moderately quadrangulate.        -   Stem length.—Approximately 161.0 cm.        -   Stem width.—Approximately 0.8 cm.        -   Stem color.—Green to yellow-green; near RHS 143A and 144A to            144B.        -   Stem texture.—Glabrous; matte.-   Foliage:    -   -   Leaf arrangement.—Alternate.        -   Quantity of leaves per plant.—Approximately 160.        -   Leaf shape.—Ovate.        -   Leaf apex.—Apiculate.        -   Leaf base.—Acuminate.        -   Leaf length.—Average of 18.3 cm in length.        -   Leaf width.—Average of 8.8 cm in width.        -   Texture (adaxial surface).—Glabrous; moderately glossy.        -   Texture (abaxial surface).—Glabrous except for main vein;            moderately glossy.        -   Pubescence (adaxial surface).—Absent.        -   Pubescence (abaxial surface).—Absent, except for main vein;            sparsely to moderately covered with very short soft hairs,            approximately 0.75 mm long and colored green-white; near RHS            157D.        -   Leaf margin.—Entire, very slightly undulate, slightly            concave and involute.        -   Young leaf color (adaxial surface).—Green; near RHS 143A.        -   Young leaf color (abaxial surface).—Yellow-green; near RHS            144A.        -   Mature leaf color (adaxial surface).—Green; near RHS N137A.        -   Mature leaf color (abaxial surface).—Yellow-green; in            between near RHS 146B and 147B, closest to 147B.        -   Venation.—Pinnate.        -   Vein color (adaxial surface).—Yellow-green; near RHS 144B.        -   Vein color (abaxial surface).—Yellow-green; near RHS 148D.        -   Petiole.—Glabrous and slightly glossy; approximately 81 mm            long and 4 mm wide; colored green to yellow-green, near RHS            143A and 144A to 144B.-   Bud:    -   -   Flower bud shape.—Obovate, top flattened, nodding.        -   Flower bud length.—7 mm in length, at approximately 5 days            prior to opening.        -   Flower bud diameter.—5 mm in diameter, at approximately 5            days prior to opening.        -   Bud color.—Green-white; near RHS 157B and 157C.-   Inflorescence and flower:    -   -   Inflorescence.—None; flowers are solitary.        -   Flowering arrangement.—Solitary; axillary; pedicellate.        -   Natural flowering season.—Approximately 60 to 80 days after            planting.        -   Rate of flower opening.—Approximately 10 days from            bud-forming to fully opened flower.        -   Flower longevity on plant.—Approximately 4 days.        -   Fragrance.—Absent.        -   Pedicels.—Length — Approximately 8 mm. Width — Approximately            1.5 mm. Aspect — Approximate angle to stem: 45°, curved            downward in an approximate angle of 45° to vertical. Color —            Green; near RHS 143B.        -   Perianth.—Individual Flowers; Corolla — Arrangement rotate;            approximate diameter of corolla: 2.0 cm, approximate depth            of corolla: 12 mm. Petal Description — Quantity — Average:            5, occasionally 6. Length — Approximately 12 mm. Width —            Approximately 8 mm at widest point. Margin — Entire. Shape —            Elliptic. Apex — Apiculate to acute. Base — Cuneate, lower            25% fused. Texture — Glabrous, slightly glossy, moderately            velvety. Color — Immature: White; near RHS 155A. Fully            Opened Interior — White; near RHS 155B. Fully Opened            Exterior — White; near RHS 155B. Fading — White to            yellow-white; in between near RHS 155A and 158D.        -   Calyx.—Calyx Arrangement — Fused into a campanulate shape.            Sepals — Sepal Appearance — Glossy and smooth. Sepal            Arrangement — Paired, placed at both sides of the corolla.            Quantity — Two in number. Sepal Shape — Lanceolate,            involute. Sepal Margin — Entire. Sepal Apex — Acute. Sepal            Base — Cuneate. Sepal Length — Average 26 mm. Sepal Width —            Average 4 mm. Immature Sepal Color (adaxial surface) — 145C,            margins 63B. Immature Sepal Color (abaxial surface) — 145C,            margins 63B. Mature Sepal Color (adaxial surface) — 145C,            margins 63C. Mature Sepal Color (abaxial surface) — 145C,            margins 63C.-   Reproductive organs:    -   -   Stamens.—Number — Average of 5. Filament Length —            Approximately 3 mm. Filament Color — White; near RHS 155A.            Anther Length — Approximately 2 mm. Anther Color —            Violet-blue; near RHS 98c to 98D. Anther Shape — Narrow            ovate to near oblong. Pollen — Moderate to high. Pollen            Color — White; near RHS 155B to 155C.        -   Pistil.—Pistil number — Average of 1. Pistil length,            Including Style — Approximately 3 mm. Stigma shape —            Club-shaped. Stigma color — Yellow-green; near RHS 150A to            150B. Style length — Approximately 2.75 mm. Style color —            Yellow-green; near RHS 150D. Ovary Position — Superior.            Ovary color — Yellow-green; near RHS N144C.-   Seed and fruit:    -   -   Fruit.—Type — Berry. Time to reach maturity — Early. General            Shape — Longitudinal Cross-section — Tapered bell shape;            ovate to narrow oblong. Latitudinal Cross-section — Oblong            and generally in the shape of the figure “eight”; two            locules. Shape of Apex — Retuse. Stalk Cavity — Absent.            Stalk Cavity Depth — Not Applicable; stalk cavity absent.            Depth of Interloculary Grooves — Average of 1.5 mm (varying            between 0 and 2 mm). Attitude — Drooping. Color, immature            fruit — Green, in between RHS 140B and RHS 140C. Color,            mature fruit — Orange; near RHS N25A. Texture — Glabrous,            glossy, very smooth. Dimensions — Approximately 79 mm long            and 39 mm wide. Length-to-Width Ratio — Approximately            1:0.49. Thickness of Flesh — Approximately 5.5 mm at            maturity. Calyx aspect — Non-enveloping. Number of days            fruit can be stored — 14 days at 13 degrees Celsius.        -   Seed.—Presence/Amount — Seed is normally not produced. Only            under special circumstances, as in the presence of an            overabundance of pollinators in the immediate vicinity of            the plant, is a negligible amount of seed sporadically            observed in some of the present fruit. Amount of Seed When            Present — Approximately 28 per fruit. Shape — Disc-like.            Dimensions — Average diameter is 4 mm, and the average width            at the narrowest point is 1 mm. Texture — Glabrous, slightly            velvety. Color — Yellow-white; near RHS 158D.

Comparisons With The Parent

Plants of the new cultivar ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ are comparable to the parentvariety Capsicum annuum ‘Jaydee’ (unpatented) in that both varietiesexhibit orange fruit when mature and both cultivars are said to produceseedless or near-seedless fruit. However, ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ exhibits ahigher percentage of fruit producing no seeds when compared to ‘Jaydee’.Also, the fruit of ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ possesses only two locules, producing alatitudinal cross-section shape that is generally in the shape of thefigure “eight”, whereas ‘Jaydee’ possesses four locules creating atrapezoidal-shaped latitudinal cross-section. ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ alsoexhibits larger flowers, a darker green foliage color and more plantvigor when compared to ‘Jaydee’.

Comparison With The Most Similar Cultivar Known To The Inventor

Plants of the new cultivar ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ are comparable to the cultivarCapsicum ‘Angello’ (unpatented). A comparison of ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ with‘Angello’ is described in Chart 1.

CHART 1 Characteristic ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ ‘Angello’ Length of internodes.Longer. Shorter. Fruit; longitudinal Tapered bell shape; Narrow oblongand cross-section. ovate to narrow oblong relatively long. andrelatively short. Fruit; immature color. Green, RHS 140B and Green, RHS135C. 140C. Fruit; mature color. Orange, RHS N25A. Yellow-orange, RHS18A to 19A. Fruit; sweetness. Sweeter than ‘Angello’. Less sweet than‘BOEKTASPEP2’. Fruit; aroma. Less sour than ‘Angello’. More sour than‘BOEKTASPEP2’.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Capsicumannuum plant named ‘BOEKTASPEP2’, substantially as described andillustrated herein.